Anonymous gift establishes Distinguished Business Scholar program at Emporia State

November 21, 2013

During the past few months, several announcements of major gifts to Emporia State University’s comprehensive fund-raising campaign have been met with celebrations introducing those making the gifts and expressing gratitude for their generosity.

While another substantial gift to Now & Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University was celebrated Thursday, Nov. 21, its giver has chosen to remain unidentified.

“We are celebrating an anonymous $200,000 campaign gift which, when coupled with nearly $200,000 this donor has given previously, will establish a Distinguished Business Scholar program at Emporia State,” said Jennifer Denton, Emporia State Foundation vice president for stewardship and administration.

“This same individual is also making a generous planned gift to bring the endowed scholarship fund to $1 million. This elegant giving strategy enables the new program to begin today and to grow in the future,” Denton added.

Emporia State representatives gathered at Silent Joe, the bell tower southeast of Welch Stadium, to ring the bell Thursday afternoon. As an audible icon of the Now & Forever campaign, the bell sounds when significant gifts and other successes are celebrated.

“This scholarship will have a profound impact on our students and our educational profile in the School of Business at Emporia State,” said Kristie Ogilvie, dean. “We thank the donor, who recognizes academic excellence that must be rewarded and celebrated in today’s competitive environment. Truly, this scholarship opportunity will change the lives of our students.”

“This donor is now a member of our Kellogg Society, joining 190 other living alumni and friends who have notified us of their intention to make a planned gift,” said Denton.

“Even though the giver has chosen to remain anonymous, this gift is perfect evidence of the momentum we’re building as part of the Now & Forever campaign,” said Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, president.

Emporia State’s School of Business has recently benefitted from a $100,000 gift supporting strategic marketing initiatives.

Now & Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University is a five- to seven-year effort with a working goal of $45 million. To date, the campaign has recorded gifts and pledges of $19.8 million to support student scholarships, academic departments and initiatives that advance Emporia State’s mission to recruit students, teach and retain them, encourage them to graduate with lower levels of student debt, and ultimately put them on a path to a solid career.

For more information about opportunities to give to the Now & Forever campaign, contact DenaSue Potestio at 620-341-5440.